The controviersial art-work was performed during the spring of 2009. At first it was a discussion of putting the university as responsible for her project, since it was not stopped. Now the focus is instead on the student, Anna Odell.
The 35 year old Ms Odell was not very talkative towards the press before the trial started.
- I wish I was better prepared, she said to Svenska Dagbladet.
Ms Odell is charged for false alarm, barratry and violent resistance. The prosecutor wants her to be convicted to a conditional sentence and a fine.
Ms Odell on the other hand denies false alarm and barratry and she argues against the demands for damage payment. She admits violent resistance but underlines that it was never her intention to commit a crime.
After her defence lawyer, Claes Borgström, had finnished his final statement, Ms Odell took the opportunity to say a few words.*
- I am not here as a private person, but as an artist, she started.
She went on to say that her provocative art work may help people to see what is wrong in society and what should be discussed more.
She does not claim that all psyciatric care is bad, but that parts of it need more transparancy and discussion.
Her final comment was rather provocative:
- I would not be here today if I was a journalist, especially if I was a male journalist.
The sentence will be delivered on 31 August.
* The quoutes from the trial are taken from Swedish Radio´s home page. The whole trial may be downloaded from their website.